USAHistory

1. 61

   David Carlposted 9 years ago

   
   John F. Kennedy was assassinated 50 years ago Nov 22 of 2013.  I remember where I was and what I was doing that day. Are our lives different today because of this event?

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      Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Why the pic of Bush?

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   2. 58

      Silverspeederposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Its funny how Kennedy seems to me to be more popular around the world now, I was wondering if it was because he was assassinated? Is that what has made him really famous?

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      1. 89

         GA Andersonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I think you may be partially right; re. the fame of assassination, but I think it is more because it seemed to snuff out a surge of hope than the death of a man. Whether that "hope" was a real possibility or just perceived desires can never be known.
         
         I sometimes wonder at the pride people exhibit when they say, "I remember where I was, etc...." And the fact that I do not remember where I was. (yes, I am ancient enough to have remembered) What does that mean? That the event was of such impact as to forever sear the moment in your memories?
         
         With his presidency cut short, what accomplishments can be cited as a cause for his fame? The Cuban missile crisis? (which I think was extremely well handled)
         
         My vote would be for his "Ask not..." speech. Like Reagan's "city on a hill..." Kennedy presented a vision that resonated with Americans that transcended the mechanics of politics.
         
         To preempt the remarks I am sure will come, No, I do not feel "Hope and change..." is even in the same ballpark as "Ask not..."
         
         GA

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         1. 78

            Credence2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, indeed, the GA, this was one event that was seared upon the memory of every sentient American old enough to have recorded it.
            
            We miss the man and the era that he was such a part of, a time of endless possibilities and confidence in a future which was replaced by cynicism after his death. In the current political climate, these kinds of heroes cannot be reproduced today. 
            
            I liked his 1963 speech on Civil Rights making clear which side of the struggle he and his administration were going to support. He grew in the job recognizing this issue as one that defined the times and one from which he would assume the mantle of leadership.
            
            I also liked his goal he set challenging the country and its technical and industrial resources to place a man on the moon and bring him safely back to the earth within the decade.  He was bold when we had yet to accomplish placing a man in a sustained orbit, the Soviets were ahead while we still had rockets exploding on the pad.

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            1. 89

               GA Andersonposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Well, even being the cynical curmudgeon that I am, I am not so cynical as to believe another leader as Kennedy was perceived to be is beyond the possible.
               
               GA

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      2. 64

         maxoxam41posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         It would be denying his liberal and avant-garde ideas. It would be limiting his persona. The world didn't miss any man, it missed a great man with a humane and broader vision.

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         1. 77

            Kathryn L Hillposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            - he dropped the ball as far as Cuba, though.

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               Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               It wasn't exactly an easy situation to diffuse, though. I'd be surprised if anyone could've done the perfect dance with that particular crisis.

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                  Kathryn L Hillposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                  Cuba needed our help. Why would we not help Cuba? It was an amazing little country before Castro took over.

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                     John Holdenposted 9 years agoin reply to this

                     In what way was it an amazing little country before Castro took over?

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2. 61

   David Carlposted 9 years ago

   Uhhhh.......Hmmmmm.I saw that I could add a picture so I went into  my gallery and clicked on Bush...After I submitted,  I realized I should have added Obama,  as I have his picture too. I pray for both men.

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      Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Ok, but I just would have thought you might have put up a pic of JFK as that seemed to be what you wrote about...

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      1. 61

         David Carlposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I'm working from my phone instead of my laptop. I am in Pa instead of NY. Please use your imagination.  I hope that I didn't ruin the amince for you!

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            Beth37posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            No, I'll help.
            
            
            
            

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3. 61

   David Carlposted 9 years ago

   Very cool!
   Thank you!

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4. 90

   Alphadogg16posted 9 years ago

   I has the same sentiments as Beth37 and was a little puzzled as why Bush was in the picture. As far as lives being different, I would have to just take others word on that as I wasn't around 50 years ago.

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5. 60

   John Holdenposted 9 years ago

   The shock and horror of his death was felt much further afield than the US.
   I was at the cinema at the time. They interrupted the film to announce his death, the news was met with an audible gasp of shock that remains with many to this day.

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6. 61

   David Carlposted 9 years ago

   When I was younger, and still Democrat, I remember Uncle Amiel responding to a positive comment about JFK by telling me about his womanizing.

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7. 36

   erorantesposted 9 years ago

   I like the picture of President Bush and the First lady . Happy Holidays to you.

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8. 36

   erorantesposted 9 years ago

   It is good to remember good people. And their good things.

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